How to Open a Wise Account from Australia for Zimbabwe Transfers

What You'll Need

Before you start, make sure you have:

• Australian ID: Passport, driver's licence, or Medicare card
• Proof of address: Utility bill, bank statement, or government letter (dated within 3 months)
• Recipient's bank details: Their USD bank account number in Zimbabwe
• Email address: For account verification
• Mobile phone: For two-factor authentication

Step 1: Create Your Wise Account

1. Visit wise.com and click "Register"
2. Choose "Personal" account (or Business if applicable)
3. Enter your email address and create a strong password
4. Select Australia as your country of residence

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

Wise is regulated by ASIC, so identity verification is required. This usually takes 5-10 minutes:

1. Photo ID: Upload a clear photo of your passport or driver's licence
2. Selfie verification: Take a photo of yourself holding your ID
3. Address verification: Upload a utility bill or bank statement

Tip: Use good lighting and ensure all text is clearly visible. Most verifications are approved within minutes, though some may take 1-2 business days.

Step 3: Set Up Your First Transfer to Zimbabwe

1. Click "Send money" from your dashboard
2. Enter the amount in AUD you want to send
3. Select USD as the currency they'll receive (Zimbabwe uses USD)
4. Review the exchange rate and fees shown transparently
5. Add your recipient's Zimbabwe bank details:
   • Full name (as it appears on their bank account)
   • Bank name (e.g., CBZ Bank, Stanbic, FBC)
   • Account number
   • Branch code (if required)

Step 4: Pay for Your Transfer

Wise offers several payment methods for Australians:

• Bank transfer (POLi): Instant, no extra fee
• Direct debit: Takes 2-3 days, no extra fee
• Debit card: Instant, small fee applies
• Credit card: Instant, higher fee applies

Our recommendation: Use bank transfer via POLi for the best value - it's instant and free.

Step 5: Track Your Transfer

Once payment is confirmed, you can track your transfer in real-time through the Wise app or website. You'll receive email notifications at each stage:

1. Payment received by Wise
2. Money converted at the mid-market rate
3. Transfer sent to recipient's bank
4. Money delivered (usually within 1-2 business days)

How Much Will My Recipient Get?

Here's what makes Wise different from other providers:

Wise vs Other Providers for Zimbabwe

While Wise offers the best exchange rates, it's not perfect for everyone. Here's when you might choose alternatives:

• Need EcoCash? Use WorldRemit or Remitly
• Need cash pickup? Use Mukuru
• Need instant delivery? WorldRemit arrives in minutes
• Best value for bank transfers? Wise wins

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wise safe to use in Australia?

Yes. Wise is regulated by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) and holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). Your money is protected with bank-level security.

How long does a Wise transfer to Zimbabwe take?

Typically 1-2 business days once you've paid. The first transfer may take slightly longer due to verification.

Can I send money to EcoCash with Wise?

No, Wise only supports bank transfers to Zimbabwe. For EcoCash, we recommend WorldRemit or Remitly.

What's the maximum I can send with Wise?

Wise has very high limits - up to $1,000,000 AUD per transfer for verified accounts. This makes it ideal for larger transfers like property purchases or business payments.

Does Wise charge hidden fees?

No. Wise shows you the exact fee and exchange rate before you confirm. What you see is what you get - no surprises.